How to Recruit Volunteers for Peer to Peer Fundraising?

Have you ever wondered what ignites the fire behind a successful peer-to-peer fundraising event? 

Well, it’s the passionate volunteers who stand as the driving force behind the scenes. Their dedication can transform a regular fundraiser into a powerful force for change. 

In this blog, we will shed light on the part volunteers play in peer-to-peer fundraising events and how you can recruit and keep some gems of volunteers for your campaign. 

Let’s begin

Build a Strong Online Presence to Attract Volunteers

The very first step in hiring volunteers for your event is to get visible online. By getting online and visible, you build a presence, become recognizable, and get in the eyes of your target audience, i.e., the volunteers. 

As far as the online presence goes, you can build one and be out there by using social media to share engaging content like high-quality photos, videos, or stories of your organization and your work to change the world. 

By doing so, you bring your impact in front of your target audience and lure them into becoming a part of your organization to make similar contributions. 

To make your presence more compelling, you need a good-looking website with all the important event details — the who, what, when, and where for the potential volunteers to see. 

People want to know what organization they will be a part of and what shoes will they fill for them. 

Let's peek into the must-haves for your event site:

• Tell them all about your event (WHAT)
• Share the date and time so they mark their calendars (WHEN)
• Pinpoint the location so they don’t get lost (WHERE)
• Add a signup button to make it easy (HOW)
• Include the FAQ section for solving queries fast (WHY)
• Share the event schedule so they know what to expect 
• Don’t forget to add social sharing buttons

The secret sauce to doing it well? 

Keep it real. 

Share your story and show them why your cause is worth their time. And remember that consistency is key. Keep the updates flowing to keep people engaged and excited. 

Reach Out to Existing Supporter Base

Your existing supporter can be your best bet for recruiting volunteers. They know your organization in and out and have seen your work making an impact. They’re the easiest to contact and convince you to join your organization as volunteers.

Reaching out to your supporters is all about personal connection. Send them heartfelt messages, share success stories to show them the impact of their last help, and tell them about their roles and commitments.

And when you want them to join as volunteers, make it easy as pie. No one wants to climb a mountain to sign up, right?

You can always remind them again politely because life gets busy. In the end, always, always say thanks, whether they join. You can always ask them to refer their friends to volunteer at the event. 

Tap Into Local Communities for Volunteer Support

When you approach local communities for support, think about making friends, not just connections. Attend their events and gatherings, chat with the local folks, and learn what they are passionate about. 

You can also collaborate with local organizations and attend community meetings. Once you have built a good relationship with them, share your cause and ask if they will be interested in volunteering. 

Here’s a word of caution: Don’t be pushy. Respect whatever their decision is and show gratitude. 

Use Email to Get in Touch With Your Contacts

When looking for more helping hands, emailing is a great way to ask for help. Always start with a warm and welcoming subject line and refer to them by their first name. Thank your contacts for their consistent support, introduce them to your cause, and share its significance, but keep it brief. 

You must clearly outline the volunteer roles and what each entails. Inspire them with stories of other volunteers making a difference. 

Encourage them to take action by volunteering. Include a direct link or a signup button along with your contact info if they need to ask something. Follow up after a few days. 

Celebrate Volunteers Wins

After the event, it's time to give your amazing volunteers some love! These folks are the unsung heroes for your peer-to-peer fundraising event, and it’s your job to recognize their hard work and dedication. 

No, we’re not talking about grand gestures, but a small token of appreciation can go a long way. The goal is to encourage these people to continue doing this good work.

You can also offer them opportunities for skill development and gather their valuable feedback. The goal is to make the volunteers feel valued and appreciated, creating a culture that motivates and attracts more volunteers for future events.

Offer Rewards

One sweet way of thanking your volunteers is by creating certificates of appreciation personalized with their names. You can also give out awards like volunteer of the month and shine the spotlight on the most hard-working volunteer of the event. Feature them on your website and social media as well. 

And what’s a celebration without a good meal? Host a special dinner for the volunteers and the team, and wrap up the event with a feast. 

Offer them flexible roles and schedules as a reward. This shows that you value their time and understand their commitments. But here’s the golden rule: no matter what we do, we must always express our gratitude. 

Every volunteer must know how much they mean to you every step of the way. 

Conclusion

Volunteers are the heart and soul of any fundraising event. The process of recruiting volunteers for your cause is special and depends on personal connections, appreciation, and clear communication. 

If you’re looking for online fundraising platforms to organize your next peer-to-peer fundraising event, check out BetterWorld — a place dedicated to helping you make the world a better place. To learn more and get started, visit our website and contact us for a demo.

Making a positive change every day!